After the January-February edition which, in its French
and English versions, attracted over 36,000 readers, here
is another “double” March/April issue, dedicated to the
first part of spring, which means, as you will understand,
McommeMaison is becoming bimonthly.
Nothing has been definitively decided, that is our rule since
we are evolving at the pace of a changing digital world.
From here until 2016, the French will have four times as
many tablets and the technical changes will bring their own
novelties, that our programmers are busy integrating. After
seven issues, featuring hundreds of hypertext links, slide
shows, and videos, we have been able to measure how
our readers are using this first multimedia Decoration and
Design magazine.
Lesson No. 1: You don’t read McommeMaison like a traditional magazine, which, in and of itself is completely logical, but we still had to make sure. Interactivity, at the heart
of the concept and the wealth of linked media, leads to a
“browsing” time for the magazine that is longer than for a
paper version.
Lesson No. 2: The life span of each issue is longer than for
paper. After the reading spike of the first week, there are
more of you reading McommeMaison from the eighth day
to the last day of the month, and there also just as many
of you reading older issues available online.
These reasons justify a longer frequency, but also increased
content. Halfway between print media and the internet,
we have decided to tackle our subjects with a broader
viewpoint in order to offer you, if not the thoroughness,
an extended panorama of Decoration and Design. The
volume of this issue is changing, with fifty pages in favor
of more complete articles, and more media. This magazine
contains some six hundred photos of new items for 2013,
certainly enough to give you ideas.
Publication director: Bertrand Daudey
Editing director: Philippe Boegli
Editing team: Severine Littière, Cécile Poulain, Sandrine Pouchain, Eglantine Bremond.
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PAGE

04 Agenda...

To keep your eye on !
Saint Malo
Côté Vivre et Habiter (Living and Inhabiting)
Quai ST Malo March 8-10, 2013
Vivre et Habiter has been the traditional Saint-Malo home
living show for the past 24 years. Armed with this experience, event organizer CCI of Saint-Malo Fougères wanted to
innovate in 2013 by creating a new show: L’Atelier Unik (The
Unik Studio). This way, everything for the home be brought
together at one place, on Quai St Malo. The 2013 Vivre et
Habiter show is expected to draw over 180 exhibitors in a
5000 square meter exhibition space. Visitors can explore 4
different worlds: Interior design, furniture, renovation, exterior
design, and landscaping. Vivre et Habiter has become THE show to visit before embarking
on a construction, renovation, or investment project. Industry professionals will be on hand
with their innovations, presenting their products and knowledge to the public through many
presentations and workshops.

Paris
Poética - March 5 - 25, 2013
Under the patronage of Jean-Pierre Lecoq, Mayor of Paris' 6th
arrondissement, and on the occasion of its 20th anniversary,
the "6th, Art Studios" event will feature several artistic events
in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.
Artwork, creations, and installations by painters, sculptors,
photographers, engravers...and musicians will be presented
at the 6th arrondissement Mayor's office, on Place Saint-Sulpice, within Saint-Sulpice church itself, and also in their studios. Some forty artists from different fields will all interpret,
POETICA, the main theme, in their own individual way. The
art studio Open House, March 22-23 and 24, 2013, will promote informal meetings between artists and art lovers.
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

05

PAGE

Agenda...

MCOMMEMAISON
INTERACTIVE - No. 8
Visit
the site: www.decastelli.it

PAGE

06 Agenda...

To keep your eye on!
Paris 7th arrondissement
Roberto Plate
217, Boulevard Saint-Germain March
20- July 26, 2013
Stage designer and visual artist Roberto Platé is" framing" the Maison
de l’Amérique latine (House of Latin
America) with a monumental installation on the Boulevard Saint-Germain,
inviting visitors to literally pass through
the mirrors of an exhibition he has staged himself: installations that fool the eye, models
décors for theater, opera, dance, and sometimes fashion. The route is enriched with photos, documents, projected films, and some fifty works from the artist's collections, from the
Bibliothèque Nationale de France (French National Library), and the Comédie Française.
It is a rare exhibition, which maps out the trajectory of a life dedicated to art and spectacle.

Paris
The Apartment: Exhibition-sale
February 8 - March 30, 2013
Ateliers d'Art de France (Art Studios of France) presents its
latest theme exhibition, "The Apartment" in its four Parisian
spaces: The Studio, the Talents Etoile and Talents Opéra boutiques, and the Collection gallery. Each space is transformed
into a living area: the bedroom and bathroom at the Studio;
the living room at Talents Etoile; the kitchen at Talents Opéra;
the office/study at Collection. "The Apartment" invites visitors
to discover a contemporary world and reflect on the appropriateness of the unique for everyone, through the artistic creations on display. The creations
of over 60 fine craftsmen and artists, available for sale, punctuate the rooms of a genuine
modern apartment.
Talents Etoile : 26, avenue Niel, 75017 Paris - Talents Opéra : 1bis, rue Scribe, 75009 Paris
Collection Gallery: 4, rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris - L'Atelier : 55, avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

ake way for design!
In the past, we preferred
coziness in the shower or
bathroom. These bathrooms
were then reduced to the
bare minimum. Today, we
associate showers with wellbeing, with an increased
search for comfort and
design.

Visit the site: www.archibath.com

PAGE

10 Showers...

Simplicity and design go hand in hand…
Protected by a glass partition or not, the
shower now blends harmoniously with a
simple, minimalist décor. While the transparency of the glass gives it a certain charm,
the rest of the bathroom banks on sophistication, with furniture and a sink featuring
clean lines.
For lovers of simplicity, you can simply
elevate the floor reserved for the shower,
without installing a tray, and bank on very
designer hardware. If the result is very
simple, it will not go unnoticed.

A spacious, well-lit bathroom; it's what we
all dream of. In this room dedicated to
relaxation and well-being, many designers
have imagined a large open space where
shower, tub, sink, and storage furniture
are all on the cutting edge of design.
In this new décor where liberty takes
precedence, the ideal thing is to favor
pure, simple colors, not to mention mirrors selected in original shapes, which
add light to the room.

Visit the site: www.hydropolis.fr
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.hansgrohe.fr

PAGE

12 Showers...

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Coordinated elementsâ&#x20AC;Ś

The best way to harmonize the bathroom is to
coordinate the elements
of the room. Sink, storage
furniture, and shower tray
are essential for equipping the bathroom. It's
no longer just a question of what is necessary,
but by opting for what is
beautiful. The choice of
shower hardware, including the tap or temperature control, must therefore combine looks and
functionality.

Visit the site: www.hansa.fr

PAGE

14 Showers...

Technology in the service of well-beingâ&#x20AC;Ś
The room where you start and end your
day, the bathroom is now getting all the
attention. We don't just use it to wash up,
but also to recharge and have a sensational experience.
This is why designers have turned their
attention to shower models featuring cutting edge technology. Showerheads now
come in new shapes, whereas in the past
they were all round. Taming and shaping

the water, this is the new motto of designers who don't hesitate to integrate
LEDs into showerheads.
That way, you can enjoy a chromotherapy session while you shower. It is an
undeniably alluring idea, since we know
that colors have an influence on our psycho-emotional state. It's a way to start the
day on the right foot and under the best
possible conditions.

Visit the site: www.corian.fr
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site:

www.bbath.fr

PAGE

16 Showers...

Primary and contemporary shapesâ&#x20AC;Ś

A contemporary bathroom above all banks on primary shapes. Transposed onto the
ceramic, these shapes bring a touch of design to the sink, bidet, and toilet bowl. A
flush-mounted sink is the final touch for a contemporary bathroom, always offered
in a simplistic form. The basic forms will adapt to every lifestyle, all while reconciling
cleanliness and freshness.
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.duravit.fr

PAGE

18 Showers...

Showers and hydrotherapyâ&#x20AC;Ś
The high end shower stall is no longer
content to be just designer, but it now
must respond to a genuine concern for
comfort and well-being. Combining different functions usually found in a spa, a
latest-generation shower alone is enough
to create a relaxation space. In a single
stall, you can now shower, enjoy a steam
bath, chromotherapy, or hydrotherapy.

To this end, the shower stall is equipped
with adjustable massage jets, a diffuser,
and steam extractor, LED lighting, etc.
In a totally different style, the rain panel
can be installed flush with the ceiling and
offers three types of jets for a novel experience: rain, ribbon, or waterfall.

In the middle of a simple, or natural dĂŠcor, a touch
mony of the bathroom. Deep red, coral, bright or
bathroom tile and the bright, colorful gloss of the
shower stall, and the light of the mirror is simply s

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

athroomâ&#x20AC;Ś

ch of color is always welcome, without breaking up the harrange, yellow... Anything goes. The contrast created by the
e storage furniture, combined with the transparency of the
striking.

Visit the site: www.perene.fr

PAGE

22 Showers...

The shower, a source of sensationsâ&#x20AC;Ś
For many, taking a shower is a question of
habit. But the most demanding associate
this time with extraordinary sensations.
With this in mind, designers have demonstrated a broad freedom of creation.
Since the goal is to move us or to make
us experience our shower in a more
playful manner.
Traditional showerheads are now being
replaced by showerheads that imitate
rain panels. The advantage of this type of

equipment is that it offers a broad water
coverage, while being economical.
To enjoy custom hydrotherapy sessions,
you can install cutting-edge shower modules that can be controlled using a flushmounted digital interface.
And in this environment that subtly blends
technology and well-being, a touch of color can enliven the dĂŠcor; rather useful
when you don't have a shower equipped
with a chromotherapy feature.

Visit the site: www.jacobdelafon.com
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.kinedo.com

PAGE

Bold and extravagantâ&#x20AC;Ś

24 Showers...

Playing with light, bright colors or color gradients...Bathrooms are putting on a show!
This space, dedicated to well-being and
serenity is going bold, with graphic mirrors
in unusual shapes inspired by nature, yet
with a functional side. It's a very playful style,
with new finishes, and strong, sunny colors.
Roundness and symmetry, screen-printed
shower partition, and a glossy touch tinged
with enough elegance to give the bathroom
a magical ambiance.
The dĂŠcor helps you
recharge, while making children happy.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.mobalpa.fr

PAGE

26 Showers...

The shower drain goes designâ&#x20AC;Ś
Personalizing your bathroom down to the
slightest detail...it's totally possible! Even
shower drains now combine design and

Visit the site:

quality. While maintaining their primary
function of draining away the shower water, drains now sport different types of grills. These grills differ through
their coverage, design, and
length. Very practical, the tilein drain fits discreetly into the
shower floor.
As for the drain that installs at
the foot of the shower partition, it is possible to equip it
with a lighting module that
provides a bit of elegance
and extravagance to the
room.
All these types of drains can
easily find a home in any
bathroom, in an Italian style
shower, an open bathroom,
or a home spa.

www.aco.fr

The advantages of manufactured stoneâ&#x20AC;Ś
Refinement, elegance, and design are the the primary advantages of manufactured stone.
A mixture of natural stone powder, natural pigments, and acrylic resin, this very current
material, sought after by designers is welcome in moist rooms of the house without limitations, including bathrooms. In the bathroom, manufactured stone is also used to create
counters and sinks, as well as bathtubs. It all is assembled with invisible gaskets. Robust,
modular, and resilient, this material also has the advantage of keeping a color intact over several years. And for a unique style, it combines perfectly with other materials, such as wood.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site:

www.antoniolupi.it

PAGE

28 Showers...

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Paristic

Visit the site: www.hi-macs.fr

PAGE

30Showers
Flooring...

Flooring

Designers

Objects

in Style

Swimming Po

By Severine Littiere

Dressing your interior while
Vinyl, tile, wood, polished concrete, stone, etc., there are so
many choices, it's easy to get a little lost. And yet, there is no
room to get it wrong, because the flooring gives a room all its
dimension and character. Here are a few elements to make
sure you stay "in"â&#x20AC;Ś

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

ools

Philippe Starck

Design

Crazy

MCM PASS

Free

News Brief

about Design

Discount Card

Subscription

keeping up with fashion

Visit the site:

www.vorwerk-moquettes.com

PAGE

32 Flooring...

Once upon a time, vinylâ&#x20AC;Ś
While some have permanently written it
off as a has-been, vinyl is reinventing itself
and now proposes fulfilling your renovation desires. Economical and easy to
install, it offers a wide range of colors, patterns, finishes (satin, matte, glossy) and
faux finishes (wood, concrete, tile, etc.)
that look more real than the real thing!
Comfortable and easy to maintain, PVC
provides thermal and acoustic insulation
that is much better than hard flooring materials. Moderately resistant to wear, this
now-designer flexible flooring is suited to
every type of room.
More environmentally-friendly, its cousin
linoleum presents the same advantages,
in addition to being made from natural

components (cork, natural resin, minerals,
etc.). Non-allergenic, it has antibacterial
and antiseptic qualities, ideal for use in
bedrooms of children and people who
have allergies.
In the family of environmentally-friendly
flexible flooring materials, there are also
plant fibers, like seagrass, coco, or sisal,
which are resilient but require light maintenance. Once considered andiquated,
these materials now blend with taste and
estheticism into a natural dĂŠcor.
Lastly, more fancy and animalistic, why
not turn over a new leaf with leather, certainly more costly, but it gives style and
character to the room it adorns...

Visit the site:
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

www.carrelages-des-suds.fr

Visit the site: www.asarota.com

PAGE

34 Flooring...

Concrete, a solid trend

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Both designer and steadfastly modern, concrete
has become "â&#x20AC;&#x2030;THEâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;" flooring material par excellence.
Natural for a pure atmosphere, it can also take on
colors to vary the ambiance: it is then painted, dyed
in the mix or on the surface. With its sometimes
gravelly, sometimes terrazzo look, the surface of the
concrete can be molded in the hands of the mason,
giving brushed, floated, processed, stamped, etc.
effects. Durable and esthetic, this functional material
now represents a veritable decorative element.
Visit the site: www.holcim.fr

PAGE

36 Flooring...

Concrete in brief…
Concrete, or rather concretes, come in two
main families:
• Natural concretes…Grey and rough, traditional concrete is the roughest of the
natural concretes, unlike terrazzo, stained
concrete with its worked look, that allows
pieces of glass or marble to show through.
Slightly rough, gravelly concrete lends itself
particularly well to polished concrete; as
for washed concrete, it is highlighted by its
aggregates.
• Composite concretes… Here we have
micro concrete and resins, with their
smooth, uniform appearance, lighter and
also lending themselves well to exterior
floors.

Pavers or poured? Like tile, concrete pavers
are easy to lay on all types of subflooring.
Less likely to crack than poured concrete,
they enable true personalization: custom
dyes, sophisticated checkerboard patterns,
different materials and finishes...Expanding
spaces, poured concrete, with its many
colors and finishes, has a better looking effect wherever it is used. Formed in a single
piece, it gives the impression of the infinite,
but still requires a few expansion joints in
order to reduce cracking.
Washed, stamped with patterns, smooth,
a paver-style matrix, glossy, matte, satin finishes...in the end, concrete demonstrates
its flexibility in decorating possibilities.

Visit the site: www.marcacorona.it
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.fr.graceconstruction.com

PAGE

38 Flooring...

Natural stone, an authentic
Slate, marble, granite, or limestone can be used to make gorgeous
natural floors, in grey, beighe, black, pink, ochre, green and even
multicolored floors. With all their imperfections and nuances, they
provide tremendous charm and style guaranteed, both inside
and outside. Sometimes looked at as cold, these types of flooring provide a stylish, natural ambiance, and should be carefully
arranged with other decorative elements (wall coverings, floors,
etc.) to prevent getting trapped in austerity, and ensuring a warm
environment.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

charmâ&#x20AC;Ś

Visit the site: www.portovenere.fr

PAGE

40 Flooring...

Wood, a warm flooring materialâ&#x20AC;Ś
Although wenge, bamboo, and the latest
colors (taupe, purple, etc.) are the flavor of the week, a wood floor is a good
choice for reasons other than being current. Nothing complicated, here are a few
guidelines to keep in mindâ&#x20AC;Ś
Derived from a single wood species, traditional hardwood flooring is the most
durable and most costly option. Made
of 3 superimposed layers, snap-together
laminate flooring offers an excellent price/
quality ratio, but its longevity is limited.

Esthetic and very economical, laminate is
also the most vulnerable.
With a variety of nuances and designs,
the fifty species of wood available on the
market are classified according to their
hardness (higher or lower density), leading them to specific uses. Some woods
are soft (mahogany, cherry, birch, etc.) or
semi-hard (bamboo, chestnut, oak, walnut, maple, etc.), others are harder (acacia, olive, wenge), and therefore more
resilient.

Visit the site:
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

www.panaget.com

Visit the site: www.designparquet.fr

PAGE

42 Flooring...

Ceramic, art in perspectiveâ&#x20AC;Ś
Both rustic and elegant, ceramic still
has an important place among flooring
options. Natural, it is composed of clay,
earth, sand, quartz, etc. A distinction is
made between porcelain tile, which is
very resilient, but whose colors are a bit

Visit the site:

cold, and terracotta, with its more dazzling colors (yellow, ochre, red). It can be
found in hexagonal, octagonal, or square
tiles, enameled or raw, traditional (deep
red) or modern (pink, orange, beige);
and in enamels, tiles covered with a hard
kiln-fired material, lending
itself to the art of mosaic...
Forming magnificent geometric shapes, sometimes
round, sometimes square
or rectangular, more or less
sophisticated, ceramic tiles
represent genuine works of
art, defining the placement
of a living room, dining
room table, or desk, with
beauty. Stripes, flowers,
metalic, bright colors or
pastels, there is something
for every tast, what you
need to satisfy the imagination.

www.spaintiles.info

Carpet and rugs, the comeback!
Always in style, carpet has of course given way to other materials, but it has managed
to become new again with flying colors. Comfortable and warm, in up to date colors
and patterns, carpet can be found in various materials composed of resiliant, flexible,
synthetic, or natural fibers. If you don't have carpet, rugs can bring color, relief, and
texture, breaking up the uniformity of a floor. Sources of warmth, these decorative
elements are as pleasant to look at as they are to walk on!
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.bohemianworks.com

PAGE

44 Focus on designers…

Jean-François Gemmrich

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Jean-François Gemmrich first
flexed his talents for companies
and organizations like Renault,
Cegelec, Reebok, Alcatel, France
Télécom, Fédération Internationale de
l’Automobile, Anrt, Intermat, Editions
Prat, Carrefour, Visa, Bouygues
Télécom, Cross-systems, Cgv, Elf
Antargaz, etc.
He was then propelled into the thenburgeoning world of webdesign,
e-commerce, and e-learning with a
web agency, then in industry with
Steelcase, the world leeder in office
furniture and accessories.
Next, he worked as a designer/
consultant with some major
companies, Alcatel-Lucent and
Steelcase in particular, but also with
small businesses/industries with a
thirst for innovation, differentiation
and above all seduction, through
their product and services offerings.
Finally, in January 2012, and in
addition to his designer/consultant
business, Jean-François Gemmrich
launched his own line of furniture,
lamps, and decorative objects:
" Design by JFGemmrich® ".

Mathieu Lagarde is a young, resourceful
designer who is full of ideas. In 2005,
after receiving his BTS degree in Industrial
Design, the Avignon got a chance to work
for Adidas in Germany as a Textiles and
Accessories Designer. The experience
could not have been more rewarding,
since he got a chance to work with
Stella McCartney. In 2006, he set up
shop in Annecy, as a freelance graphic
designer. The fruit of a long friendship,
the "mih&ma" project would take shape
a few years later. Mathieu then relied on
his experience in a workshop based in
Provence that made metal framework and
locksmithing, and on the latter's increased
interest for design and contemporary art.
"The whole challenge was to be able to
produce unique pieces, signed, numbered
and in limited editions, with toolings that
were not always adapted." The idea being
to stand out from the competition by
offering unique furniture, both in terms of
design and artistic production. Mathieu
followed each project from A to Z, drafted
the plans, sought out and approached
artists in order to continually revitalize the
shop's creations. Today, "mih&ma" works
with fine arts painters of different styles,
from different countries, and tastefully and
originally stages all these works on all sorts
of metal furniture pieces. The watchword
being: "when art and craftsmenship
come together" or how "made in France"
works to serve contemporary art. Now,
"mih&ma" has several exhibitions to its
credit, including several in NĂŽmes with
artist Michel Tombereau, or at Versailles,
with the works of Patrice Murciano.
Worth noting is that this year there will be
an exhibition in Marseille, Europe's capital
of culture, with productions by Pierre
Fava, a young artist on a meteoric rise.
Visit the site: www.mihetma.com
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

PAGE

48 Focus on designers…

Sacha Walckoff

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

On June 1, 2013, to celebrate the
presentation of its latest men's collection
and Designers Days, Christian Lacroix will
open its newest boutique at the former
location of an old printshop on Place
Saint-Sulpice in Paris. In addition to its
men's fashion and accessory collections,
three pieces will be presented by Brazilian
designer Rodrigo Almeida, produced by
fateditions and created in collaboration
with Sacha Walckhoff, Lacroix's creative
director. This latest-generation boutique
will present the brand's emblematic
creation, like its collections of eyeglasses,
scarves, and leathergoods, and also its
lines of stationery, home accessories,
and perfumed candles. The boutique is
also designed as a place for conversation
and sharing passions and meeting with
its new creative director. This is why,
certain creations by designers Sam Baron
or Pierre Favresse, "Continued Vase"
by Newduivendrecht or the "Dishes of
desire" by Frederik RoijĂŠ will be offered
at the grand opening, in addition to
protective jewelry by Shamira Klein,
colored glass imported from Portugal,
" Claus Porto " scented soaps, or books
telling the story of the Couture house.
For diehard Lacroix fans, a selection of
"vintage" accessories chosen from the
archives will be offered for sale on a
regular basis, along with contemporary
creations, which will animate this "Mix
and Match" space.

design is spreading out and the rebellion is taking shape
1974 reinforced the movement begun in 1973 of design at two speeds.On one hand,
pro designers continue to generate the constant renewal of shapes, in a logic of
continual progress, and on the other hand, the detractors of this crazy race, recommending a slowdown and anchoring of creation in history.
Design democratizes
and spreads out
After some elitist beginnings, design is democratizing. High tech, home appliances,
and furniture are run through with the
fine-toothed comb of ergonomics. New
shapes are endlessly invented, in order
to facilitate and arise interest and use
of new products released on the market. Whereas, for example, the shapes
of bathtubs had remained the same for
nearly 4000 years, new designs are designed incessantly. The built-in bathtub,
breaking with a long line of bathrooms,
increases practicality and saves space. In
1974, everything accelerates. Manufacturers must constantly renew, on average every two years, in order to offer
new products likely to attract consumers.
(video: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Design in household artsâ&#x20AC;?).

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

The SEB toaster:
everyday life reinvented
With the democratization and extension
of design, a flagship object was born,
today a symbol of a happy vintage: the
SEB toaster. Designed in 1974 by designer Gilles Roze, it looks like a toy. Its
bright colors, yellows and oranges, its
playful, rounded shapes and the use of
extreme simplicity and was imagined to
brighten up difficult mornings. It was a
successful wager, most households were
equipped with the toaster, that quickly
became an essential part of the morning
and was the source of a new everyday
habit.
Alternative design
Against the current of design, exalting
technology and utility, alternative design
becomes organized and grows in scale.
The oil crises and the collapse of the
world economy marked the end of the
fascination with all technology and progress conceived of as an end in itself.
The high tech, clean style of designer
creations was sometimes perceived as
cold, sad, soulless. The emergence of
environmental movements and the return to fundamental values reinforced

74
the attraction for period furniture and
exoticism. Alternative design rehabilitates the old and integrates the new, advocating an eclectic style, blending eras
and styles. Designers, beyond functional
aspects, design significant objects, inspired by anthropology, semiology, and the
history of cultural movements. Furniture
designed in this movement bear a strong
and evocative identity.
The birth of a symbol:
the Emmanuelle armchair
In this trend, blending exoticism and
strong connotation, a myth of 1970s furniture was born. 1974 was marked by the
release of the erotic film “Emmanuelle”
by Just Jaeckin. From a new, evocative
genre arousing imagination and fantasy,
riding the wave of attraction for Asia, the
film remains one of the biggest successes
of French cinema.A Parisian movie theatre
showed it for ten years, offering English

subtitles for tourists in the summer
months. It became symbolic of a certain French spirit. The poster, originally
featuring a green apple, was quickly
replaced with a photo of Sylvia Kristel,
Emmanuelle, posing suggestively in a
Pomare armchair.The Pomare armchair
is a traditional Polynesian royal armchair,
made of wicker, and with generous curves.
It was quickly dubbed the “Emmanuelle
armchair”. Even today, the mere sight of
this armchair, with its strong connotations,
is enough to mobilize a whole world of
sensuality.It is an armchair that you don't
have in your home without expecting
reactions from your visitors.
Way back in 1974, the design trends
heralded the ideological crisis erupting
today.The quest for constant consumption, disconnected from history and its
effects, was slowed by a reflection on
the meanings of actions and objects.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

PAGE

52 Hotel design...

MAISON DECORET
Vichy

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 6

Located in the heart of the imperial city of Vic
of charm and delight. This old building, cons
blend of genres, colors, and materials with he
the glass overhang stands alongside the brick
fits into the beauty of the Park. Tinged with c
the standing of the signature of its masters, M

chy, Maison Decoret invites you on an getaway
structed under NapolĂŠon III cultivates a daring
eart, to create a pure harmony in the end. Here,
ks and stones of yesteryear, and the green roof
character and authenticity, the Chalet enhances
Martine and Jacques Decoret, with refinement.

PAGE

54 Hotel design...

Listed on the prestigious
" Relais & Châteaux " selection, La Maison Decoret has
been counted among the
best charming hotels and
gastronomical restaurants
in France since 2011. Under the leadership of Chef
Jacques Decoret, with Martine close beside him at
reception and in the dining
room, the Chalet invites you
to experience moments of
conviviality and the pleasure
of sharing. A daring and perfectly-executed kitchen, with
refined decoration featuring
elegance and simplicity,
the Good and the Beautiful come together to pay
homage to life's little pleasures. The natural light flooding the rooms sublimates
the warm ambiance of the
place. In muffled dream-like
ambiance, comfort comes
to the table, covered in
white tablecloths and ringed
with red armchairs.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

PAGE

56 Hotel design...

To extend the marvel of the senses, La Maison

man furniture, the rooms are adorned in purity

Decoret offers 5 contemporary rooms, whose

and tinged with dazzling colors to pay tribute to

decoration is synonymous with softness and

NapolĂŠon III and EugĂŠnie, as well as to the archi-

serenity. Noble materials, delicate fabrics, crafts-

tectural style of the imperial city.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

A veritable invitation to delight your
senses, La Maison Decoret cultivates a
bias for simplicity, authenticity, and quality. Bordered by the Parc des Sources,
a stone's throw from the banks of the
Allier River, this Chalet offers a charming, ideal spot to stay and discover
the imperial city. From breakfast to
dinner, you'll find an address that can
make your taste buds dance to a symphony of flavors, in a steadfastly intimate and warm setting.

Whether you live in a house or an apartment,
the patio is a particularly prized luxury. It
represents an opening point onto the outside,
without having to cross your threshold to
go outside. Regardless of its size, we love
to feel good there and arrange it to our
tastes. Particular attention must therefore
be paid to its orientation and the surface
material.
Visit the site:

www.bamboofrance.com

PAGE

66 Patiosâ&#x20AC;Ś

In the sunâ&#x20AC;Ś
Soaking up the sun, sitting comfortably on
the patio with a good book and sipping
a drink, now that's really recharging your
batteries! But be careful, a patio that never
gets any sun is quite gloomy. The worst
case scenario would be if it faces north on
a shady lot. To avoid this, you have to think
well about its location. If you want sun in
the morning, afternoon, and evening, opt
for a south-facing patio. Facing east, you
won't have any sun in the evening. West
facing, it will be shady in the morning.
North facing, you will never see the sun.
Your choice will also depend on the shape
of your lot and where the house is located.
If you can, build more than one patio and

you can go wherever you feel like going.
Depending on what the thermometer
reads, that is; we don't always want to be
in the sun! Plan for a covered patio, or an
awning could be a wise choice, especially
if you are in a warm region and you don't
want to have the shades drawn all summer long. We love the sun, but we love
being too hot much less, unless you have
a pool or beach nearby. Also think about
the shape and dimensions of your patio. In
an L, rounded, or rectangular, there needs
to be room to move about. Especially if
you set up a large patio table and some
lounge chairs. Even a built-in barbecue for
your summertime grilling.

Visit the site:
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

www.cupapierres.fr

Visit the site:

www.trex.com/fr

PAGE

68 Patios…

A place for social interaction…

A modern patio, comfortably equipped
with an outdoor couch and overlooking
the pool, or a shaded rural patio out
in the greenery, the location is always
welcoming and convivial. A place full
of laughter and discussions that never
end, children playing happily in the
yard, it's the spot where we spend our
best moments. And where we get our
best memories when the nice weather
has gone away…
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site:

www.piveteaubois.com

PAGE

70 Patiosâ&#x20AC;Ś

The right surfaceâ&#x20AC;Ś
What surface material should you choose for
a patio? Nature lovers lean toward wood. It
is recommended to avoid using traditional
tropical woods whenever possible, as they are
becoming scarce and expensive. Some manufacturers offer products that are safe and
natural, and easy to maintain. A patio made
of bamboo fibers, coconut wood, or composite (composed of 75% wood fibers) will be
resilient, environmentally friendly, and durable.
The rough surface structure, composed of
striations or grooves, makes it slip-resistant.
Its colors will resist UV rays without turning
grey (plan for a minimum of upkeep). Your
patio floor will adapt perfectly to your space,

regardless of its shape. Feel like a change? No
need to feel guilty, this floor is 100% recyclable. Different colors are possible depending
on your taste, from brown to grey. Lighting
integrated into your wooden patio will light
the way when it gets dark out. And help to
give it elegance! Other flooring options may
be considered, like tile or natural stones.
The latter include marble, granite, slate, and
limestone. Select a stone suited to the ground
in your region (resistant to frost, clay soils).
Esthetic, stones offer different styles, more
rustic than designer. Ceramic tiles or concrete
pavers, even going so far as mosaic, will beautify your patio with charm.

Visit the site :
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

www.marcacorona.it

Visit the site:

www.baccarat.fr

PAGE

Flooring
72Showers
Spas for everyoneâ&#x20AC;Ś

Designers

Objects

in Style

By Sandrine Pouchain

Outdoor spas...

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Swimming Po

ools

Philippe Starck

Design

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You know that if you are lucky enough to own one, an
outside spa lets you combine relaxation with communing
with nature. When wood dominates the design, it perfumes
the air and warms your feet before you plunge into the
bubbles. Take advantage of the warmth of the water, the
massage provided by the hydrojets, then stretch out in the
sun on a comfortable mat.
Breathe, listen to nature, relaxâ&#x20AC;Ś

Visit the site:

www.exteta.it

PAGE

74 Spas for everyoneâ&#x20AC;Ś

Enjoy its benefits!
The benefits of a spa are well known:
improved blood flow, muscle drainage,
muscle relaxation, etc. There are aboveground spas of all dimensions that will
fit perfectly in your yard. They often have
a very esthetic wooden outer structure
that blends in with nature (see photo
opposite).
Different levels of performance and many
features are available. Depending on your
needs, you can choose different massage
chairs. Seated or reclined, the water jets
will massage specific points on your body.
Hydrotherapeutic massage of your calves,

neck, hands, feet, thighs, and back, everything is possible. Head supports ensure
your neck will be held properly, improving
your comfort. To combine the benefits of
hydrotherapy with chromotherapeutic relaxation, electroluminescent color diodes
can be installed on your spa's waterline.
Fixed or flashing, they will help you relax
more, especially in the evening when it
is dark out. A lighted waterfall with adjustable flow will make this moment of
relaxation completely magical. You can
also enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy
in a spa equipped for this purpose.

Visit the site:
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

www.volition-spas.com

Visit the site:

www.spahochdrei.de

PAGE

76 Spas for everyone…

A dream location…
A dreamlike setting where the spa dominates the blue color of the sea in a mediterranean décor. After a dip in the salt water and a few strokes, it is absolutely
divine to end with a moment of relaxation in the hot water, massaged by the jets.
This spa melts into the landscape (opposite). Both designer and contemporary,
it has good dimensions and seated or reclining positions, your choice. Ideal for a
nice moment of well-being alone or with others, in the sun, admiring the view.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.spapeips.fr

PAGE

78 Spas for everyoneâ&#x20AC;Ś

The spa, a place for convivialityâ&#x20AC;Ś
Your spa sessions do not necessarily have
to mean solitude, with your eyes closed or
fixed on the sky! By adding some social
interaction to the spa area in your yard, it
will become a more lively place also dedicated to recreation. Some high-end spas offer
surprising options, like installing waterproof
television screens and a DVD and MP3
player (below). It could come in handy on
days when you want to relax and watch the
movie or TV show you want to see. If you
want to sip some bubbly by the bubbles,
install a spa bar and bar stools. A place for

discussions and sharing, your spa can offer
much more than just a hydrotherapy session. It will be the ideal meeting place for
spending time with family and friends. Spa
users can chat with people having a drink at
the bar, and discuss the show on the TV, or
listen to music. If you are feeling green and
you have installed a natural swimming pool
in your yard, keep in mind that there are
spas made just for you. You can create a
comfortable beach by the pool, using wood
from sustainably-managed forests. It will be
soft and pleasant to walk on with bare feet.

Visit the site:
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

www.kristalya-design.com

Visit the site:

www.softub.fr

PAGE

80 Spas for everyoneâ&#x20AC;Ś

Never without my spa!

If you and your spa are inseparable, rest easy: you can install one anywhere (or
almost). Even on the roof of your Parisian apartment building (opposite), where you
can relax as you admire the Eiffel tower! Choose the dimensions and features that
suit you, then build a welcoming wooden deck. Add in comfortable furniture and
some plants to create a natural, green space in the heart of the city. Relaxation and
a change of scenery guaranteed in this little corner of nature!

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.europiscineservices.com

PAGE

82 Spas for everyoneâ&#x20AC;Ś

Relax in the great outdoorsâ&#x20AC;Ś
Installing a spa on a roof is not as complicated as you might think. Once you have
authorization from your homeowners' association (unless you own your building),
you just have to make sure the acceptable load is enough to accommodate
a spa. Next, your spa will be hoisted up
by crane (make sure it is possible in your
neighborhood). Installation is simple, and
often employs a steel plate and beams to
distribute the load. Cover it all with a nice
wooden casing and there you have it! Are
you the lucky owner of a large deck with
a great view? Why not install your outdoor
spa there? Make sure the deck flooring
can support the load. That way, you will

be ideally situated for relaxation! Keep in
mind that traditionally, spas are installed
outdoors. In the Nordic countries where
they were born, they are especially enjoyed
in cold weather. The contrast between the
hot water of the spa (some people even
roll in the snow when they get out) helps
to invigorate the body. Don't hesitate to
repeat the hot/cold sessions.
This offers many benefits: strengthening
the immune system, evacuating toxins, relaxing muscles, stimulating the circulatory
system, etc. The steam from the spa also
helps to clear your respiratory passages.
One of the most pleasant ways to take
care of yourself.

Visit the site:
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

www.coastspas-fr.com

Visit the site:

www.nordiquefrance.com

PAGE

84 Spas for everyone…

Luxury spas…

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

A bit overcautious? A good
alternative is to install your
spa on a porch enclosed with a
large bay window. Half inside, half
outside, this way you can take advantage of the view, while being quite
warm inside. Look at that beautiful sunset over the sea! Watch it while relaxing
in the bubbles and listening to the sound of
the waves. Before enjoying a chromotherapy
session when darkness falls. A peaceful night is
guaranteed after an evening like thisâ&#x20AC;Ś

Visit the site:

www.kinedo.com

PAGE

86 Spas for everyoneâ&#x20AC;Ś

Designer swim spasâ&#x20AC;Ś
If you are hesitating between a spa and
a pool and you don't want to have multiple installations, the ideal solution is the
swim spa It meets the expectations of
owners who choose it due to increasingly
smaller lot sizes. It can be aboveground,
inground, or semi-inground, and also inside or outside.
Smaller than a pool, it is equipped with a
system for swimming against the current.
This way, you can exercise in a smaller
pool.
A hydromassage area can be installed
independently or included in the spa, so
you can enjoy the benefits of hydrothe-

rapy. The spa can also be integrated within
a larger swimming pool. In this configuration, watch out for the water temperature
of the spa which will be the same as in
the pool. It is a practical and convivial "two
in one" solution that is quite popular.
You can define the style of your spa based
on its surroundings. Often encased in
wood, it can be a custom work of craftsmanship to create a unique piece. Red
cedar is often used for its warm, coppery
tones, its soft, silky feel, and its very pleasant natural smell. In a rustic environment,
a spa encased in stone has a great look.

Visit the site:
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

www.ligne-spa.fr

Visit the site:

www.archibath.com

PAGE

Showers
Flooring
88
Swimming Pools...

Designers

Objects

in Style

Swimming Po

By Severine Littiere

Get a length

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

ools

Philippe Starck

Design

Crazy

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h ahead!...
Your pool project is finally
coming together, it is time
to think about the different
options available to you for
building your little corner
of paradise. Don't dive
in head first! Make sure
you think hard about it:
the shape, size, materials,
quality, style, price, etc...
the design is essential,
down to the slightest
detail. After all, your
well-being depends
on this lovely project!
A little survey before
jumping in the
water...

Visit the site: www.diffazur.fr

PAGE

90 Swimming Pools...

Custom, ready to dive in,
a concrete solution! â&#x20AC;Ś
In order to satisfy tour wildest desires, the
concrete pool offers a custom solution.
Molded in a single concrete pour, or projected onto a continuous iron framework
(bottom and walls), the single-shell is definitely a bit more costly, but it has some
solid arguments in its favor: not only is it a
good investment that provides real valueadded to your property, but it is also free
of any restrictions. Adapting to all types
of lots, styles, shapes, surfaces (liners,
tile, marble, etc.) and equipment, it offers
immense freedom to transform this new

living space into a place of relaxation and
absolute comfort. Installed on a concrete
pad floor, masonry can be an economical solution. Composed of cinder blocks,
the walls are strengthened with reinforced concrete posts and with a reinforced
ring line at the bottom, half way up, and
even higher depending on how deep the
pool is. As far as esthetics goes, anything
goes, so knock yourself out! For a harmonious ensemble, however, make sure you
choose a style that is consistent with the
architecture of your house.

When building a concrete swimming pool, rely on the unfailing skills of a
professional, it will save you some unfortunate surprises! While you should
allow around 1 to 3 months to build an inground-pool (concrete, shell,
inground kit), first think about getting the administrative permits you will
need. Your plans may require a works permit( over 20 m2 in surface area),
and possibly a building permit (over 100 m2 in surface area) from your
town/city hall. Allow 1 to 2 months.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.desjoyaux.com

PAGE

94 Swimming Pools...

Bring design to light!

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

While some people will opt for a contemporary dĂŠcor employing innovative materials, uniform textures, and delicate colors, others will go for a natural or sporty
atmosphere. Squared, curved, fanciful, the shape of the pool will then take on all
its importance, this characteristic inspiring the beginnings of the desired ambience.
Think about design both day and night, and bet on lights! Today's electroluminescent LED diodes, in addition to being economical, durable, and visible, come in a
wide range of colors.

Visit the site: www.mondial-piscine.eu

PAGE

96 Swimming Pools...

Ready to dive in, act two: polyesterâ&#x20AC;Ś
Factory-molded and delivered to your
back yard, the polyester swimming pool
is composed of a single structure: reinforced by posts if necessary, the shell is
composed of vinylester (fiberglass and
resin) applied to a foam.
Installing this type of pool is a bit complicated (a job for a professional) because
the shell is delivered in one piece, it is
first necessary to allow access to the installation area, and to ensure that the pool
holds up properly, the ground must first
be leveled and stabilized. Once the shell
is in place, gravel is used to fill the void
and the coping is put in place, a concrete
ring line is then poured to bring it all toge-

ther. Lastly, the pool is connected to the
water system and accessories (which you
have considered beforehand, of course!)
will be installed.
While the choice is limited in terms of
shapes (predefined) and dimensions (limited), the polyester pool has one true
advantage: not only does it require almost
no maintenance, the application of a gelcoat (which smoothens and beautifies)
to the pool at installation, then reapplied
every 10 years is more than enough, but
above all, like the concrete swimming
pool it is ready to dive in. You just have
to choose, get it installed, put on your
bathing suit and dive in head first!

Visit the site: www.freedomfrance.fr
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site:www.piscinesmondepra.com

PAGE

98 Swimming Pools...

Even more dreamsâ&#x20AC;Ś

You are installing your dream pool, so much to do, but look a bit further down the road:
take advantage of the construction to also install an outdoor spa! A privileged relaxation
area, it can be inserted within the pool or adjacent to it. This little luxury will let you spend
unforgettable moments of relaxation! What's more, building this place of well-being outside will help save space inside if you have already been kicking the idea around, and
it will enable you to enjoy it in another way, in the great outdoors!

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site:

www.excel-piscines.com

PAGE

100 Swimming Pools...

Ready to installâ&#x20AC;Ś
Equipped with a structure composed of
different prefabricated parts, a sealing coating, and a filtration system, the inground
kit pool is, like concrete and polyester
pools, a permanent swimming pool. It is
composed either of formwork or modular panels. Like the combination with cinder blocks, concrete goes well with other
materials. A robust base in the form of a
concrete pad or modular formwork, it can
be combined with ultra-light high density

polystyrene, or plastic modules (PVC) into
which reinforced concrete is poured.
For modular panels, walls of solid materials can be used: concrete, synthetic resin, aluminum, or steel. These rigid panels
can be assembled to form the walls of the
pool. Keep in mind that these "mixed"
pools require a liner or reinforced membrane to make sure the pool is watertight.
If you are a diehard DIY'er, you can install
your pool and save money that way!

Visit the site: www.waterair.fr
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.waterair.fr

PAGE

102 Swimming Pools...

When your cup runneth overâ&#x20AC;Ś
Water as far as the eye can see, between
your pool and the ocean, the horizon line
is one with the edge of your pool...Yes,
infinity pools are among the most beautiful pools in the world, their impression of
the infinite lets us all dream...
A traditional pool but without the coping,
the infinity pool lets the water overflow
into a special buffer trough, partially (on
one side) or fully (all around) the pool.
Hidden or visible to all, this trough has
a practical function: it catches rainwater,

stores children's toys or other accessories,
and you can even build in a water fall, a
kiddie pool, or a slide.
Always clean, the water in it is constantly
filtered before being reintroduced back
into the pool (a powerful pump is essential to counter the height difference). Letting you take full advantage of the landscape, the lack of an edge is also helpful
for keeping the water clean: no more
intruders (insects, leaves, etc.) while you
float!

Visit the site: www.reflea.eu
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.piscines-vaud.com

PAGE

Around the pool...

104 Swimming Pools...

Of course, you will think about the construction, accessories, and even the atmosphere that your
new relaxation space will give off. Here again, you need to select the right materials to surround it
and give it a nice deck. To accentuate the natural side of this living area, wood is a must. To break
with the plants, concrete will provide an esthetic, modern, and pleasant look. Otherwise, stone is
a good compromise, it will authentically restore its natural charm, all while remaining rock-solid.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.oconcept.fr

PAGE

106 Swimming Pools...

Simple and accessible: the wooden swimming
poolâ&#x20AC;Ś
Offered in kit form, the wooden swimming pool is composed of different
elements: rigid panels, struts, rails, liner,
filtration system, etc. Semi-inground or
built above ground on flat ground covered with a concrete pad or sand, you can
have the pleasure of installing it yourself if
you are gifted with DIY skills (you can also
seek the help of a professional). With a
maximum depth of 1.30 m, the wooden
swimming pool only offers two choices of

shapes for limited dimensions: octagonal
or rectangular, with a maximum length
of 10 m. It also requires regular maintenance of the pool and its structure. Several wood species (teak, ebony, pine, etc.)
in various colors (brown, yellow, maroon,
reddish, greenish, pink, etc.) are now available on the market, with multiple qualities
that determine the stability of the pool or
its resistance to humidity, to fungi, insects,
etc. It therefore involves its lifespan.

Visit the site: www.wood-line.fr
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.wood-line.fr

PAGE

A swimming pool, with peace of mind

108 Swimming Pools...

Outdoor inground and semi-inground pools in France have been subject to safety standards since
January 1, 2006. The law requires that an appropriate device be installed in order to prevent any
drowning accidents, and provides for a 45,000 euro penalty in the event of non-compliance. While
they are no substitute for your vigilance, consider getting a swimming pool cover, alarms, barriers, etc.
When you purchase these items, make sure they are up to standards and request for a certificate of
conformity from the installer. Once your pool is open, remember to check these installations regularly
and replace them if necessary. This way, you can enjoy your pool with complete peace of mind.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.piveteaubois.com

PAGE

110 Swimming Pools...

The natural swimming pool, in symbiosis
Made of concrete, inground, the natural
swimming pool is still a standard construction. Its difference resides in its operation:
the water is not chemically treated, it is
filtered organically using plant life that

is very much present (as much as the
swimming area). Nature then becomes
the primary player in this living space: the
sun warms the water, the plants supply
oxygen and remove nutrients (nitrates,
phosphates, etc.), the animals and
bacteria are tasked with cleaning it
and transforming organic waste into
nutrients for the plants. This way, it's
not unusual to share your pool with
a charming frog, a few newts and
some shrimp!
The placement of this type of pool is
essential for the survival and balance
of the ecosystem, which will take
around 4 months to develop, before
you can take a few strokes. Easy to
maintain, economical in terms of water and electricity consumption, this
swimming pool can also be equipped with a heating system (solar!)
for more comfort. The pool's natural
charm can be amplified with a meticulous design: water jets, shapes,
and shadows (rocks, waterfalls, etc.)
Visit the site: www.gerard-gay-piscines.com are welcome.

Swimming pools and taxationâ&#x20AC;Ś
Remember, the construction of a pool influences your tax assessment in proportion
to its size. Considered a building attached to your house, it can be a burden on your
residential tax, and also on the property tax in the case of an inground pool with
masonry. Therefore, consider declaring your pool to the tax department.

With his air of a big kid, Philippe Starck was, among others,
named creator of the year in 1985, was named chevalier of
arts and literature, received three first prizes at the Néocone
of Chicago, is a professor at Domus Academy in Milan,
etc… With his creations marked with play and earnestness,
Starck surprises. A look at this great designer, an honest
man of the 21st century.

The Alhóndiga project

PAGE

116 Philippe Starckâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;â&#x20AC;Ś

A great dreamer who makes his
At first sight, Philippe Starck is a star-studded
designer, he tackles creative environments
worlds apart from one another. The reality
of his innovative career is totally different,
because the man is invested in a mission
that gives an essential consistency to all his
creations: improving the world we live in.
Starck is a creator, in the strongest sense of
the term. He is a positive participant in our
life, to which he brings honesty, humanity,
and poetry. "Subversive, ethical, environmental, political, humoristic, even the idea
that I am doing my duty as a creator." Well
before the environment became a collective concern, Starck was involved early on
in advocating respect for the planet. He

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

launched, among others, the OAO "We are
what we eat" line and designed individual
wind turbines for home use. His revolutionary design and desire to work positively
led him to take part in the TED (Technology, Entertainment & Design) talks, with
Bill Clinton and Richard Branson. Ambitious
and a lover of progress Starck always wants
more.
Of his new model, "Broom Chair," Starck
says: "Mies Van der Rohe said 'less is
more.' OK, that's true, but why choose?
With this chair, you can say 'less and more.'
Because we choose to do less - less style,
less design, less material, less energy - and
eventually we have more."

ELISE by Starck

s dreams come trueâ&#x20AC;Ś

The Broom Chair
Emeco with Philippe Starck

PAGE

118 Philippe Starck …

The spiritual child of design…
A precursor of the questions that go along
with the redefinition of work that is approaching today, Starck, preserving his inner
child, expresses a personal and, in the end,
avant-garde vision. "There is no work in my
life!There is only play, curiosity, generosity,
vision. In the end, this is child's play, games
of imagination, except that thanks to the
various talents, especially those of the engineer, something is created. " Incredibly philosophical? Great spiritualist? Starck refers to
himself as a big child. "I'm a dreamy kid,
who has both the lightness and gravity of
children. I take on the rebellion, subversion,
humor." With great humility, inseparable
from a genuine benevolence, he invites
users to take part in creation, to express
their needs, to appropriate or choose new
objects. He proposes creations more than

he imposes them, the essential thing remaining working in the sense of a daily life
that is more respectful of everyone and the
world. The "Play Dining" line is composed
of furniture manufactured to order from a
multitude of possible combinations. This
way, a free and playful relationship takes
hold between the artist and the client, then
the second takes part directly and creatively in the final result. Free of judgment,
open to technology as much as tradition,
Starck enriches each object and place of
our daily life, whether it is usual or exceptional. In the Cristal Room Baccarat restaurant, Starck connects history with modernity,
by designing the mansion in Marie-Laure
de Noailles. He plays with the multitude
of lights of the crystal, to restore the festive
spirit of these historical places.

From consumer to participant…
When designing, Philippe Starck likes to give a
humanist meaning to objects. He imbues his
creations with positive and constructive signs,
to the detriment of associations tied to political
violence. He frees them of any ostentatious
dimension. Objects should not serve as a negative approach to wealth: impressing others by
proving that you have money. Objects should
not be imbued with a chauvinist connotation.
"Modern intelligence is feminine." It should be
accessible to everyone, thanks to the multiplication of quality. In a community spirit, Starck believes in the moralization of companies, more
than craftsmanship. Artistic director for Thomson for 4 years, he proposed, in meetings, to
replace the word "consumer" with "my friend,"
"my wife," "my daughter," "my mother," or
"myself." Because, he says, it is easier to say
"It's no big deal, it's crap, but consumers will
be content with it," than "It's no bi deal, it's
crap but my daughter will be content with it."
The consumer should be forgotten in place
of the actor..

Axor Organic Starck
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Objects no longer oppress the person but
should enable them to exist for himself/herself,
unlike, for example, designer glasses, which
transform the person wearing them into a billboard for the brand. The object, honest, faithfully integrates into the life of the person who
uses it, all with a minimum of material and
representations. With the Axor Organic line,
Starck drew his inspiration both from human
and plant curves to design a faucet with smart
functions. This faucet advocates for effective
and more environmentally friendly water usage.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;A new intuition came to me, a question even:
where is life? Where is the energy of life? I started working under a different viewpoint with this
same subject at least." In
the same spirit of fusion
between the user, his/her needs, and the object, the Net Lamp, for example, from the Flos
line is "a desk lamp derived from the elegance
of the minimum which naturally integrates the
iPad as the final key of all our needs."

FLOS
NET by Philippe Starck

PAGE

122 Philippe Starck …

These objects that have a soul…
Reconnecting with the human essence,
with the sources of childhood and primitive
cultures, Philippe Starck restores the soul
of objects that populate our everyday lives.
Everything makes sense, particularly what
is a part of our lives, what guides our gestures and intentions. "We have to replace the
beautiful of cultural essence with the good of
humanist essence." Codified, defined, and
bearing a significance that does not belong
to us, derived from social symbols and rules,
objects then force us to get into a mold that
is not the one we have shaped. Philippe
Starck proposes that man reappropriates his
life experience, so hat he models it according
to his needs, his aspirations, so that objects
become good. This freedom of life experience, promoted by true objects, works in
the sense of a world where servitude and

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

violence are replaced by desire, humor, and
love. Man becomes a non-consumer. Objects are imagined according to their use and
not for themselves. Designed in collaboration
with David Edwards, a Harvard University professor and inventor of aerosol food, WA|HH
Quantum Sensations, is sprayed directly into
the mouth or on food. This object explores
the new territory of aerosol food, the relationship between the minute quantities ingested, the taste, and the effect felt. "We are
not saints. Our brain needs to escape. There
are thousands of ways to escape and one of
them is called intoxication. Yet, if alcohol can
do good, it can also do a lot of harm. The
question, therefore, is how to do good for
yourself without doing harm? WA|HH is an
alternative that proposes the idea of intoxication without its harmful effects."

The quest for the "non-object"…
A critic of advertising and consumption imposed by the media, Starck refuses to work
with companies tied to hard liquor, tobacco,
religion, as well as companies whose financial backing is obscure (Philippe Starck's
clients have to demonstrate their funding
sources). The products he launches must
provide something new and provide an
honest service. What will be the real utility
of the object? This service must be provided
with a minimum of preconceived ideas and
material. According to him, products today
provide 20% service for 80 % useless ma-

terial. This excess material usually serves to
make the producer rich. In an ecological
and humanizing perspective, Starck advocates for dematerialization, "making uselessness disappear in favor of honesty." The
non-object of tomorrow will see its quantity
of material decrease, as it becomes more
and more useful, honest. The Parrot ZIk
headphones are designed to be a simple
extension of the human body. "Here you
have the prototype of what objects will be
like in the future: much less material, but a
much more powerful, smarter result."

ZIK Parrot by Starck: Bluetooth touch headphones

His beginnings …
Born in 1949 in Paris' 16th arrondissement, Philippe Starck lives and works in MontfortLamaury. After studying in Camondo, he founded a campaign to build inflatable homes
in 1969. This initiative propelled him to become artistic director for Pierre Cardin in 1971.
He designed the night club "Chalet du lac" and the restaurant "Centre Ville" in 1973.
MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

A poet, a magician even,
Philippe Starck, gives voice
to objects. About his Zartan
line: "â&#x20AC;&#x2030;Before, Robin Hood
and Zartan were in the
same forest with the same
wood. Now, Zartan has left
for the fields and come
back with linen." A humble
philosopher, he shines
when trying to spread the
light around him On tshirts that he designed for
the masses, and inscribed
"we are god."

Zartan design Philippe Starck with Quitllet

PAGE

They dared...

126 Design News Briefs...

The radiator becomes a work of art!
The Thermadéco® decorative radiator is a first in the artistic world. It honors
its facades with a big name in contemporary painting: Georges Yatridès.
Alured by the originality of the Thermadéco® concept, the man who Arthur
Conte dubbed Maître du temps (Master of time) in 1992, returns 20 years
later to decorate the radiators with his works never before unveiled to the
public. For this limited-edition collection, 9 summary works, produced in very
few copies, all numbered, have been collected and adapted to the 4 Thermadéco® formats. It is a lovely way to bring art to within everyone's reach…

Awning-mounted mister!
Brumisoft® is an extra-flat, remote-controlled, awningmounted misting system, that provides significant environmentally-friendly refreshment in hot weather. Brumisoft®
helps to bring down the temperature under the awning by
5-10 degrees in just a few seconds, as long as it is hot and
the humidity is low. It pairs perfectly with the awning, thanks
to its discreet design. The cooling effect comes from the
rapid evaporation of water microdroplets produced by the
system's pumps.
www.franciaflex.com

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.pomax.com/fr

PAGE

126 Design News Briefs...

They dared...

Truly original cardboard furniture!

A Louis XV chest made of cardboard, yes, you read
that right, it wasn't a typo, but the daring work of Emilie
Mazeau-Langlais, a cartonniste, who works with cardboard
like a cabinetmaker works with wood, to create furniture
with an estheticism that will take your breath away, not to
mention the usage value of the object itself (the chest features drawers with ornamental fittings, made of cardboard of
course). Unique, sturdy furniture won Emilie Mazeau-Langlais
the grand prize for MĂŠtiers dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Art (Artistic Professions) in
2009. Find out more by watching the video.
www.emilie-mazeau-langlais.com

Bathroom Graffiti
Anachronistic, offbeat, hip? It's up to you decide what to
call Bathroom Graffiti, poetic, fanciful wall decorations made
from resin and wood fibers produced from forests bearing
the PEFC label, managed sustainably of course.
For a designer touch in your interior, browse this surprising
collection of animal trophies, from deer to rhinos, including
sharks and crocodiles too! Very hip this year, we like this
style, which will give some peronality to your walls.
www.bathroomgraffiti.com

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

Visit the site: www.zanotta.it

PAGE

130 Crazy about design...

Getting the most out of a small space
by WY-TO architectsâ&#x20AC;Ś

Photos: Svend Andersen

After

Located under the eaves of a 19th century
building, Antoine's apartment is a structure that
showed the traces of time. Indeed, the framework
has moved, the partition walls were no longer perpenticular to the floor, which now had an irregular pitch to it. The light
is lovely and homogeneous. The space is stretched out along a large
wall running from one end of the apartment to the other. In order to
highlight it WY-TO proposed freeing it of every partition. This way, the space
is sequenced by two blocks that are home to the technical functions kitchen
workspace/storage/bathroom in one and dressing room/laundry/niche with
bathroom sink in the other. The organization of these two blocks frees up the
areas in between for an entrance, bathroom, kitchen, and a living room. To get to
the bedroom, you have to go through this large wall using a hidden door.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

BEFORE

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

PAGE

130 Crazy about design...

After
In its original state, this
apartment had many
shelves, work surfaces and
doors made of solid oak.
Therefore it seemed very
interesting to use these materials and recycle them as
a front facing in the form of
a wooden collage. A satine
whit patina covers this patchwork of wood, and offers
a homogeneous reading.

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

BEFORE

After

This way, the entire apartment,
with the exception of the natural oak floor, is in white. Since
each element has a unique texture and finish, the almost clinical
aspect of the white is softened
and enriched with subtlety. The
tile in the bathroom and kitchen
is a glossy, matte, or rough white
depending on which side is installed facing out. This contrasts
harmoniously with the satiny or
glossy white stain applied to the
worked oak and OSB blocks.

Visit the site:

Have you transformed a room in your apartment or home, or even the
whole thing? Send in your photos, and the best ones will be published
in the magazine.

www.wy-to.com

To send in your photos
click here

MCOMMEMAISON INTERACTIVE - No. 8

PAGE

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With the beach at its feet and just a stone’s throw from the port,
this is a charming home, fully remodeled in a contemporary
style. Exceptional views of the sea and Cap Canaille. A bright
living room opens onto 300m2 of panoramic patios, along
with a heated pool. This residence offers 5 bedrooms,
including one master suite and 3 independent sutes. Luxurious
appointments. Residual buildable space.

In the heart of the Golden Triangle on the Champs-Elysées,
apartment of 105m² in a very good condition and in absolute
quietness. Situated on the 3rd floor of a luxury building with
redone common areas, this apartment is overlooking a large
courtyard but remains very bright and sunny.
It comprises:
Double living room with high ceilings
Fully equipped kitchen
Two bedrooms and their bathrooms
Study
Cellar
Réf : V0448PA

In the very heart of the Triangle d’OR (Golden Triangle),
in a totally renovated cut stone building, an exceptional
136 m² apartment on the 4th floor, renovated with luxury
appointments.
This air-conditioned apartment is composed of an entry hall, a
vast reception room, a contemporary, fully-equipped kitchen,
a master suite with dressing room and bathroom, a second
large bedroom with bathroom, many storage facilities, a
laundry room, two toilets, and a cellar round out this property.
Wine cellar, herringbone parquet floor, mouldings, fireplaces,
integrated stereo, bright and sunny. A cellar rounds out this
property.
Possibility of acquiring a second, approximately 75 m²
apartment in the same building, at additional cost.

2 km from Uzès, luminous contemporary house
Several units with 4 slope roofs are joined to each other to
form this attractive modern property with spacious rooms
set on a 3670 sqm garden including a constructible wood
of Holm Oaks that could accommodate a second home.
Located in a quiet, residential area surrounded by small
lanes and scrubland, comprised of a vast living room with
Cathedral ceiling, a well equipped kitchen in the central part
with three wings, a master suite, 4 bedrooms and a large
workshop-office. In all, approximately 250 sqm living area and
a Swimming pool with teak decking opening onto the garden.
Ref : UZS-8623

Founded in 1979, Manulatex, a company based
in the Maine-et-Loire Department of France,
specializes in personal protective gear (aprons
and gloves). For over 30 years, this family
company has developed unique skills in terms
of manufacturing chain mail and assembling
metal plates, which makes it one of today's
world leaders in the field. Around the mid
1980s, the alchemy of a meeting would give
rise to a new application for this industrial skill.
It was the start of a loyal friendship and long
collaboration betwen the couple who ran the
company, Philippe and Sophie Jaunault, and
designer Paco Rabanne.
Charned by the quality of Manulatex chain
mail, Paco Rabanne entrusted Sophie Jaunault
with the creation of the first strapless dress
in the material. In less than 2 weeks, it was
presented in the designer's runway show. It
was an immediate success.
More collaborations were to follow, and they were
always numerous and varied. Among the biggest
media sensations, clothing Lanson champagne
bottles in chain mail to commemorate New
Year's 2000 and presented at the VIP Room
by Adriana Karembeu. Lastly, Paco Rabanne
created a new line of lamps, launched at the
Maison & Objets (Home & Objects) 2012
show. In 2007, Manulatex acquired a design
shop called LE LABO Design, which had been
founded a year earlier by three lamp designers.
Manulatex then decided to use the LE LABO
Design label for its whole business tied to
decoration and interior design.

Visit the site: www.lelabo-design.com

PAGE

142

Good web tips
from the editors..

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